Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Sep 2026, 10:12 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology has warned of heavy rain, flash floods and hail across the Makkah region and lighter rain in Madinah, prompting Civil Defense safety advisories for pilgrims during the early Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah offers a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days with a pooled 90-day stay, letting pilgrims make repeat visits, though it cannot be used during the Hajj season.
Egypt's Cabinet and Tourism Ministry have warned citizens that many Hajj and Umrah offers on unofficial social media pages are fraudulent, urging travellers to book only through licensed operators and verify licences before paying.
A fire at a hotel in Makkah's Jabal Omar district near the Grand Mosque was brought under control on September 8, 2026, with no injuries or casualties reported.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has approved the daily opening of women's prayer halls for all five prayers in every mosque across Madinah, a change that helps women pilgrims pray on time.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the main gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, has reached Level 4 of ACI's five-stage customer experience accreditation.
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Hajj 2026: Nine states complete return airlift Premium Times Nigeria
Pilgrims visit Grand Mosque ahead of annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca Reuters
As Iran war persists, some US Muslims consider risks of Mecca pilgrimage Religion News Service
3 Indonesians arrested in Makkah for promoting fake Hajj services Saudi Gazette